Scurvy

Scurvy is a disease caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in diet. Vitamin C plays a main role in human body; it is used to make collagen. Collagen is a type of protein found in different types of tissue like skin, blood vessels and bones etc. Lacking of vitamin C, collagen cannot be restored and the several types of tissues can break down, which lead to symptoms of scurvy. This includes:

Muscle and joint pain

Tiredness

The appearance of red dots on the skin

Bleeding and swelling of the gums

In these days many of adults, aged people and kids are also affected by scurvy. Scurvy is an uncommon disease, it still presents in few patients - generally aged people, alcoholics, or those who live on a diet lacking of fruits and vegetables. And also, children who are on poor diets for any financial reasons may be prone to scurvy. Actually scurvy begins when a person stops receiving sufficient vitamin C in his diet.

Symptoms:

Feel so tired and weak all the time

Feel tired and irritable all the time

Pain in limbs and joints

The appearance of small red-blue spots on skin

Loosen teeth

Bulging eyes

In children, the initial symptoms of scurvy contain:

Irritation

Poor weight gain

High Fever

Lack of hunger

Causes:

Addiction on alcohol and drugs

Complex mental health conditions like depression

Being unable to maintain a healthy diet

A person losing his appetite conditions that affect ability to digest food

Crash diets

Smoking, which can reduce the amount of vitamin C absorbed by the body

Pregnancy or breastfeeding, as the body wants more vitamin C at these times

Diagnosis of Scurvy:

The below tests are used to diagnose scurvy, those are:

Physical examination

Blood tests

Questions about dietary habits

X-ray of joints

Medical check up

Treatment:

Person normally needs to increase his daily intake of vitamin C. And doctor may also advise an instant course of vitamin C supplements.

Precautions:

Taking more quantity of vitamin C supplements is also very harmful. Never take more than the advised dosage of vitamin C.

Here you have a list of Recommendations, which are helpful to your diet.